Michigan

Palushaj not shy about scoring

This is the third in a series of profiles on the University of Michigan hockey team's 12 incoming freshmen:

Aaron Palushaj credits the wall posters of his first grade teacher, an avid Detroit Red Wings fan, for turning him on to hockey.

Years later Palushaj is on the verge of taking his high-scoring game to the University of Michigan.

U-M Photo ServicesAaron Palushaj, a forward, was a second-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in June 2007.

Playing in the United States Hockey League last season for the Des Moines Buccaneers, Palushaj (pronounced Pah-LOO-shy) had 22 goals and 45 assists in 56 games. He contributed another 11 points in eight playoff games.

That led him being a second-round pick of the St. Louis Blues (44th overall) in June's NHL Entry Draft when most draft analysts had him going in the first three rounds.

He was the second Michigan player drafted - behind Max Pacioretty, who went 22nd overall to the Montreal Canadiens.

"I was a little surprised because the rankings didn't have me that high, but I was definitely excited," Palushaj said. "I wasn't even watching the draft. I was just waiting for a call - if I got one."

Palushaj, a right wing, also got a call this summer from USA Hockey inviting him to this month's world junior team evaluation camp in Lake Placid, N.Y.

After learning a lot during his first year in Des Moines, during which he compiled 10 goals and 23 assists, Palushaj said he really grew up as a player last season.

He sees himself as a player that can produce offensively at the college level and do whatever's needed to help the team win.

He got a taste of the NHL life when he attended the Blues' prospect camp a couple of weeks after the draft in St. Louis, where they don't really want to hear about the Red Wings - no matter the influence on your hockey career.

"It was a great learning experience for me," Palushaj said. "You got to see what it is and what you have to do to become a professional hockey player."